knew this song my whole life..... never really listened to it until today

[harmonicon]

it's a masterpiece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRgKzDP-WVo

[Westegg]

1. Took me years as well. Brings tears to my eyes now...

...I first heard it as a teenager. Didn't know then that it was a song about Baez's relationship with Dylan. As I got older and wiser, I learned that, but, more to the point, I had many relationships that were bittersweet. When I hear it now, I do so from both sides-- the man's and the woman's-- and I think I'm starting to get it. By "it," I mean life and love and heartache. I'm no huge Baez fan, though I respect her and know her importance in music. But this song magically reminds me of so many relationships, and has been helpful in my understanding of a woman's perspective. It's probably in my top ten songs of all time now. It is also, obviously, a stunningly beautiful song.

[harmonicon]

5. you said it

I agree entirely.

[Systematic Chaos]

2. You ever heard this cover version?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb2I5fzsElw

Gotta admit it gets right to the point.

[Westegg]

3. Are you mocking me, G.G. (Allin?)...

...I post a heart-felt, sensitive-male love note about a Joan Fucking Baez song, and you respond with that angry two seconds of-- heck, I'm not sure what to call it-- "Death Rock"? I don't know how you can call yourself a gentle giant when you post such negative vibes, man! Most of the giants I've known have been truly gentle indeed. Perhaps you are also kindly, gentle and cuddly (I hope), but it sounds like this giant got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning! If I could, I would punish you by making you listen to every Laura Nyro bootleg there is. There are several.

[Systematic Chaos]

10. Er, um - actually I posted my little joke before I ever actually saw your post.

And trust me, it was only meant in good humor. That's just the way my mind works. Didn't mean to ruffle anyone's feathers! :shrug:

[Westegg]

16. Hey, Gentle Giant, I was just kidding myself...

...so no problem. No feathers ruffled. I can sometimes be a bit sarcastic and arch in my comments. I LIKE the way your mind works, actually. Furthermore, I figured you, like me, might be a fan of the fine prog-rock group Gentle Giant, or that you yourself might BE a gentle giant. If you are the latter, well, thank you for being gentle, as opposed to the ogres who like to smash things and people up, and grind their bones to pudding. This being based on what I've read about ogres and other, less benign behemoths.

[harmonicon]

6. no, but I like it

[cwydro]

4. Love that song.

I always have.

[applegrove]

7. I just about never listen to the words in songs. A melody is enough for me.

[martymar64]

8. Here's a cover by Judas Priest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIC7KQPDuDc

[Orrex]

15. Joan's version of Breakin' The Law totally kicks ass.

[martymar64]

9. Here's another earlier cover of it by Judas Priest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4rNgXS850o

[Lindsey]

11. I just now played that version & I then played her singing

it in 1975. OMG...This has always been one of my favorites ever. Thanks for posting.

[puerco-bellies]

12. This is the first time I read the lyrics.

I tend to fill in or hum through lyrics. There are lines in this song that have always touched me, but this really got me misty. I've been that guy too many times in my past. I am different now, thankfully.

[harmonicon]

13. yeah, I just really paid attention to the lyrics yesterday

My dad is a big fan of this kind of music, and I've heard it my entire life, but never attempted to connect with it as an adult. Man, it didn't only get me misty, it had me bawling. I've been that guy a number of times in the past too, but never like I am at this moment in my life. Sucks.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

14. by all means...

Well I'll be damned
Here comes your ghost again
But that's not unusual
It's just that the moon is full
And you happened to call
And here I sit
Hand on the telephone
Hearing a voice I'd known
A couple of light years ago
Heading straight for a fall

As I remember your eyes
Were bluer than robin's eggs
My poetry was lousy you said
Where are you calling from?
A booth in the midwest
Ten years ago
I bought you some cufflinks
You brought me something
We both know what memories can bring
They bring diamonds and rust

Well you burst on the scene
Already a legend
The unwashed phenomenon
The original vagabond
You strayed into my arms
And there you stayed
Temporarily lost at sea
The Madonna was yours for free
Yes the girl on the half-shell
Would keep you unharmed

Now I see you standing
With brown leaves falling around
And snow in your hair
Now you're smiling out the window
Of that crummy hotel
Over Washington Square
Our breath comes out white clouds
Mingles and hangs in the air
Speaking strictly for me
We both could have died then and there

Now you're telling me
You're not nostalgic
Then give me another word for it
You who are so good with words
And at keeping things vague
Because I need some of that vagueness now
It's all come back too clearly
Yes I loved you dearly
And if you're offering me diamonds and rust
I've already paid